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Review of Financial Studies Vol. 34 No. 12 2021

Information Choice, Uncertainty, and Expected Returns

Charles Cao1; David Gempesaw2; Timothy T. Simin1

1 The Pennsylvania State University · 2 Miami University

Abstract

We investigate how information choices affect equity returns and risk. Building on an existing theoretical model of information and investment choice, we estimate a learning index that reflects the expected benefits of learning about an asset. High learning index stocks have lower future returns and risk compared to low learning index stocks. Analysis of a conditional asset pricing model, long-run patterns in returns and volatilities, other measures of information flow, and the information environment surrounding earnings announcements reinforce our interpretation of the learning index. Our findings support the model’s predictions and illustrate a novel empirical measure of investor learning.

DOI
10.1093/rfs/hhaa146
Volume
34
Issue
12
Pages
5977-6031
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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